The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has declared an indefinite strike following a violent operation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).
The association is also demanding the prosecution of EFCC officials allegedly involved in the raid, which it described as “barbaric, degrading and inhumane.”
The controversy began after Prof. Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH, was arrested alongside other staff members during the operation.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual meeting, the NMA condemned what it called a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment, insisting that medical facilities must never be turned into scenes of violence or intimidation.
The statement, signed by state NMA Chairman Prof. Aniekan Peter and Secretary Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, alleged that masked EFCC operatives stormed the hospital, assaulted Prof. Ekpe until he bled, handcuffed him, and whisked him away in the presence of staff and patients.
The doctors further claimed that staff who attempted to intervene were also assaulted and detained, while gunshots were fired within the hospital premises, triggering panic among patients and workers.
According to the association, mobile phones of individuals recording the incident were confiscated, while its state chairman was allegedly shoved and exposed to tear gas during the confrontation.
The NMA insisted that no prior invitation or official communication was issued to Prof. Ekpe or hospital authorities before the operation.
Rising from its emergency meeting, the association announced an immediate total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across Akwa Ibom State until all detained doctors and hospital staff are released.
It also stated that it would not engage in any dialogue with government agencies until its demands are met.
The association is demanding the identification and prosecution of all EFCC operatives involved, as well as a public apology to Prof. Ekpe and the medical community.
In addition, the NMA disclosed plans to file a ₦1 billion lawsuit against the EFCC for alleged physical, emotional, and professional damage caused by the raid.
Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, confirmed that the operatives allegedly entered the hospital without presenting a warrant or notifying management.
He also alleged that the medical report under investigation by the EFCC was fake, suggesting possible internal collaboration in its production.
The national leadership of the NMA has also reportedly condemned the incident, as public backlash continues to grow over the conduct of the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC has not yet issued an official detailed response to the allegations as of the time of this report.